Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."( ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."

Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."

Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Ice accumulation in northern Liberty County. (Photo by Melissa, no last name provided)

Ice accumulation in northern Liberty County. (Photo by Melissa, no last name provided)

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Ice on a truck. (Photo by Ed Boyle)

Ice on a truck. (Photo by Ed Boyle)

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A snowman. (Photo by Madison Harris)

A snowman. (Photo by Madison Harris)

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Reader Carrie Day used a cork to show how very tiny her snowman is at the Rice Lofts.

Reader Carrie Day used a cork to show how very tiny her snowman is at the Rice Lofts.

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A not-so-Texas-sized snowman in southwest Houston. (Photo by Andrew Saldana)

A not-so-Texas-sized snowman in southwest Houston. (Photo by Andrew Saldana)

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Isabella, age 8, with a makeshift snowball in the Heights

Isabella, age 8, with a makeshift snowball in the Heights

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Snowman (Photo by Patricia Sanchez)

Snowman (Photo by Patricia Sanchez)

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Snowman submitted by reader

Snowman submitted by reader

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Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."( ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Galdino Romero stands by a fire to stay warm outside his tire shop on Aldine Westfield Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Spring. "I have a heater inside, but I like to be out here," Romero said. "The fire is good."( ... more

Ice hangs from a street sign at the corner of Oakshire and Kettering on Tuesday, Jan. 28. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle)

Ice hangs from a street sign at the corner of Oakshire and Kettering on Tuesday, Jan. 28. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle)

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Ice hangs from a stop sign at the corner of Oakshire and Kettering on Tuesday, Jan. 28. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle)

Ice hangs from a stop sign at the corner of Oakshire and Kettering on Tuesday, Jan. 28. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle)

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Rice University students and personnel carry on to classes Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. Despite the majority of Houston being shutdown, Rice is continuing classes. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Cody Duty, Houston Chronicle

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Winter in The Woodlands on Tuesday morning. (German Moores)

Winter in The Woodlands on Tuesday morning. (German Moores)

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Winter in The Woodlands on Tuesday morning. (German Moores)

Winter in The Woodlands on Tuesday morning. (German Moores)

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A United jet is sprayed down with de-icing chemicals before takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

A United jet is sprayed down with de-icing chemicals before takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A United jet is sprayed down with de-icing chemicals before takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

A United jet is sprayed down with de-icing chemicals before takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A United jet is sprayed down with de-icing chemicals before takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

A United jet is sprayed down with de-icing chemicals before takeoff at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A sign announces the Houston Zoo's closing on Tuesday because of inclement weather. (James Neilsen/Houston Chronicle)

A sign announces the Houston Zoo's closing on Tuesday because of inclement weather. (James Neilsen/Houston Chronicle)

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A lone pedestrian walks across the intersection of Rusk and Smith in downtown Houston as workplace closures kept many from leaving home. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle)

A lone pedestrian walks across the intersection of Rusk and Smith in downtown Houston as workplace closures kept many from leaving home. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle)

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(Photo by Aurora Losada)

(Photo by Aurora Losada)

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Sleet in Cypress (Photo by Bryan Kirk)

Sleet in Cypress (Photo by Bryan Kirk)

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Sleet in Cypress (Photo by Bryan Kirk)

Sleet in Cypress (Photo by Bryan Kirk)

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Sleet in Cypress (Photo by Bryan Kirk)

Sleet in Cypress (Photo by Bryan Kirk)

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Derrick Cabble, who just got off work, keeps bundled waiting for a bus ride home downtown. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle)

Derrick Cabble, who just got off work, keeps bundled waiting for a bus ride home downtown. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle)

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A bicyclist dressed for the cold rides through Hermann Park. (James Neilsen/Houston Chronicle)

A bicyclist dressed for the cold rides through Hermann Park. (James Neilsen/Houston Chronicle)

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Berta Sosa bundles up as she walk to work in downtown. "I'm very cold and it's only going to get worse." (Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle)

Berta Sosa bundles up as she walk to work in downtown. "I'm very cold and it's only going to get worse." (Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle)

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The Harris County Criminal Justice Center lobby would usually be full of people lined up at security on their way to court. Today, security guards said about 15 people showed up not realizing the building was closed. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle) less

The Harris County Criminal Justice Center lobby would usually be full of people lined up at security on their way to court. Today, security guards said about 15 people showed up not realizing the building was ... more

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C.J. Ochoa, 20, attempts to get on another flight at Terminal C. His flight home to Midland was canceled. Ochoa spent the last weekend on vacation in Hawaii." this sucks it's a bummer when it happens to you and you are delayed a whole day. I need to get back home and get back to work." (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle) less

C.J. Ochoa, 20, attempts to get on another flight at Terminal C. His flight home to Midland was canceled. Ochoa spent the last weekend on vacation in Hawaii." this sucks it's a bummer when it happens to you and ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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C.J. Ochoa, 20, talks on the phone about possibly taking a bus back home to Midland at Terminal C. His flight home to Midland was canceled. Ochoa spent the last weekend on vacation in Hawaii." this sucks it's a bummer when it happens to you and you are delayed a whole day. I need to get back home and get back to work." (Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle) less

C.J. Ochoa, 20, talks on the phone about possibly taking a bus back home to Midland at Terminal C. His flight home to Midland was canceled. Ochoa spent the last weekend on vacation in Hawaii." this sucks it's a ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

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Drizzle on a windshield in Houston. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle)

Drizzle on a windshield in Houston. (Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle)

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A few sprinkles have fallen in Braeswood Place, a Houston neighborhood immediately south of West University. No freezing on streets. Only one homeowner in this block covered plants to protect them against a freeze. (Betty Luman/Houston Chronicle) less

A few sprinkles have fallen in Braeswood Place, a Houston neighborhood immediately south of West University. No freezing on streets. Only one homeowner in this block covered plants to protect them against a ... more

Weather and traffic conditions improved early Tuesday. A winter storm warning in Houston was downgraded to a winter weather advisory. However, a risk of freezing rain and sleet later in the day remained. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle) less

Weather and traffic conditions improved early Tuesday. A winter storm warning in Houston was downgraded to a winter weather advisory. However, a risk of freezing rain and sleet later in the day remained. (Cody ... more

Eryn Garza bounces on a trampoline covered with slush from an overnight sleet storm Tuesday in Spring.

Eryn Garza bounces on a trampoline covered with slush from an overnight sleet storm Tuesday in Spring.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff

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Eliezer Hernandez, 10, of Conroe watches a fire pit where his family sells firewood along the roadside on FM 2920 Tuesday in Spring.

Eliezer Hernandez, 10, of Conroe watches a fire pit where his family sells firewood along the roadside on FM 2920 Tuesday in Spring.

Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff

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John Parish delivers payroll packages Tuesday to businesses downtown on a cold wintery day that blasted through Houston. "The weather could be worse," Parish said. "We could be living in Michigan."

John Parish delivers payroll packages Tuesday to businesses downtown on a cold wintery day that blasted through Houston. "The weather could be worse," Parish said. "We could be living in Michigan."

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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Houston's winter sequel is no blockbuster

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The second taste of real winter weather - Polar Vortex, Part II - brought a smattering of sleet, ice and snow flurries to the Greater Houston area, along with another day off from school. But as with many sequels, the story didn't get any more interesting the second time around.

The anticipated heavier dose of precipitation in the season's second big storm failed to materialize Tuesday. And what frozen wetness there was mostly melted because of temperatures higher than expected.

While much of the nation was dealing with big news caused by big weather, Houston saw another big fizzle. Because of ample warnings by weather forecasters and an abundance of caution, roadways were prepared for the possibility of ice and traffic that never materialized. Most residents simply remained home in anticipation of the worst, which never came.

All area school districts and many major businesses had decided to close by late Monday, which is one reason that local authorities reported little in the way of bad accidents. The precipitation had ended in time for the evening commute, or what would have been a commute if people had been at work. By 3 p.m., the Houston Police Department had responded to 59 mostly minor accidents, and Houston Fire Department paramedics were called to 14 of those.

Although slightly more freezing precipitation fell north of Houston, the absence of motorists kept mishaps at a minimum. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported five accidents from midnight to 4 p.m., well below normal.

"I guess everyone is just being extra careful," said a surprised Lt. Brady Fitzgerald.

Entertaining the kids

With people choosing not to drive, the bigger challenge was finding a way to keep schoolchildren occupied. The iceman cameth, then quickly wenteth. There was no snow for snowmen, and barely enough ice for a Barbie-sized sculpture. With frigid temperatures making outdoor play a challenge for thin-blooded Southeast Texans, Jason Barrows of The Woodlands decided to take matters into his own hands.

The construction engineer for BP gathered his two kids and some of their friends, watched a Star Wars movie - ice planet Hoth, anyone? - then battled with Nerf guns. The little ice they could scoop off the patio furniture provided the main ingredient for homemade Icees when some strawberry soda was added.

"We didn't optimize last Friday," Barrows said. "We kind of lounged around all day. This time was different."

Wow! 2 snow days

Then again, it wasn't. Houston got yet another hint of what winter can mean, with a second "snow day" in a week. The metro area actually got more precipitation than last week, when storms barely grazed the city, but higher than anticipated temperatures meant few icy roads.

Mostly it just got cold. Tuesday's highs reached only the upper 30s across the area, with a steady north wind making the cold seem much worse. Overnight lows were expected to dip into the mid-20s, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a hard freeze warning.

Yet even that won't last. Wednesday should see a high in the 40s, and warming temperatures and fair skies the rest of the week should bring about a return to normal, if there is any such thing in Southeast Texas' non-summer season.

"Days like today are perhaps the most difficult because you don't know what to do," he said. "You are reading everything you can read from the Internet, news weather services. You're talking to the sheriff's office. It's just hard. It's better safe than sorry."

If Southeast Texas could count itself lucky after a brush with wintry mischief, not so much of the South, which was hit with significant amounts of freezing precipitation. As many as 50 million people across the region could be affected by the time the snow stops on Wednesday. Up to 4 inches of snow fell in central Louisiana, and about 3 inches was forecast for parts of Georgia. Up to 10 inches was expected in the Greenville, N.C., area, and along the state's Outer Banks.

Bourbon Street quiet

On the Gulf Shores beaches in Alabama, icicles hung from palm trees. Hundreds of students in the northeastern part of the state faced spending the night in gyms or classrooms because the roads were too icy to get home.

Four people were killed in a Mississippi mobile home fire blamed on a space heater. New Orleans' merry Bourbon Street was oddly quiet as brass bands and other street performers stayed inside. Popular warm-weather tourist destinations - Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Pensacola, Fla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and New Orleans - where visitors can usually golf and play tennis in shirt sleeves or light jackets this time of year were expecting ice and snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in the Midwest, dangerous cold continued to grip the region even as the storm moved south. Many schools closed for the second straight day. In Minnesota, forecasters said wind chills could reach 35 to 50 degrees below zero.

In Savannah, Ga., residents braced for a winter whiplash, barely 24 hours after the coastal city hit a T-shirt-friendly 73 degrees.

Less than a quarter-inch of ice and up to an inch of snow were possible in a city that has seen very little snow on its manicured squares in the past 25 years.